Do you know tooth stains are extremely common and can be removed easily? At some point in your life, you might have gotten embarrassed about your discolored teeth and refrained from smiling when you are in public. Well, gone are the days! This article discusses the methods to remove tooth stains while considering the causes and types of tooth discoloration. So let’s get started!
What Is Tooth Stain?
Tooth discoloration or tooth satin is the darkening or yellowing of teeth due to various factors. The color of your stained teeth can tell various things about the reason for discoloration. Aging, trauma, diseases, use of tobacco, chewing betel leaf, and other lifestyle factors can lead to the issue.
Among these factors, some of them are unavoidable, but discoloration caused by lifestyle factors can be avoided easily. Based on these factors, there are 2 main types of discoloration, they include:
1. Extrinsic Discoloration
These types of stains occur on the outer surface of the tooth enamel. The main reason for extrinsic stains are regular consumption of beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola. Excessive smoking will also lead to extrinsic stains.
2. Intrinsic Discoloration
Aging, genetics, excessive fluoride intake, certain types of medications, and trauma will lead to intrinsic stains. These types of stains will affect the tooth structure, especially the layer underneath the tooth enamel called dentin.
Sometimes poor oral hygiene such as inadequate brushing and lack of flossing will lead to tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also lead to severe discoloration of the teeth over time. The severity of tooth discoloration may vary from person to person. The color of the stain can also tell a lot about your condition.
- Yellow discoloration is the result of consuming too many dark-colored beverages.
- Smoking or use of tobacco is the culprit of brown-colored stains.
- you will get purple discoloration if you consume excessive amounts of red wine.
- Grey stains are the result of nerve damage caused by trauma.
- White-colored teeth stains indicate dental fluorosis caused by excess intake of fluoride during childhood.
- Black stains point to tooth decay caused by poor hygiene and other factors.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene, avoiding tobacco usage, and reducing the consumption of certain drinks and beverages can reduce the risk of tooth stains.
How To Remove Tooth Stains At Home?
To be honest, consulting a dentist is the best way to get rid of tooth stains professionally. However, you can safely remove tooth stains at home with several home remedies. The following are some of the practices that may help remove tooth discoloration.
1. Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene can minimize the risk of tooth stains. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent the risk of tooth decay. You have to practice this regularly to sustain overall oral wellness.
2. Using Baking Soda
To remove surface staining, baking soda is the best. It can reduce staining by scrubbing away the plaque. You need to mix a small amount of baking soda with water and brush your teeth with the paste a few times a week.
3. Over The Counter Drugs
Some of the over-the-counter drugs are safe and effective for removing tooth stains. Teeth whitening mouthwashes and bleaching agents can easily remove stains from your teeth. Compared to professional teeth whitening these are less expensive and effective as well.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural teeth-bleaching agent. It contains whitening properties that can safely remove stains on the teeth. You need to be extremely cautious when you use apple cider vinegar to remove tooth stains. You have to rinse your mouth thoroughly after using it on your teeth because apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and it may lead to teeth damage.
5. Hydrogen peroxide
Many teeth-whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide. It is a common ingredient in many store-bought teeth-cleaning agents. You have to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to reduce stains. Dilute hydrogen peroxide in water and swish it around your mouth for about a minute. After that thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
6. Reduce The Consumption of Dark Beverages
Limit the consumption of coffee, tea, colored drinks, and red wine. Teeth may get stained as a result of excessive consumption of these drinks. If you drink any staining drinks, thoroughly wash your mouth after that.
Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and limiting the use of tobacco products can also reduce the risk of tooth discoloration.
Also Read: How To Make Teeth Strong Naturally? Effective Ways Revealed!
Conclusion
Tooth stains can stem from various factors like aging, lifestyle habits, and poor oral hygiene. Extrinsic stains occur on the enamel’s surface due to factors like coffee or tobacco, while intrinsic stains affect the tooth structure.
These home remedies can help remove tooth stains but they may not be as effective as professional treatments. You have to be extremely cautious while practicing these methods to avoid gum and tooth damage. If the condition gets worse, consult your dentist immediately.
